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< JUL 30 2010 > |
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Media Release April 21, 2007, Holland America Line Holland America Line's ms Zaandam first cruise ship to sail with revolutionary emissions reduction technology
"This is a ship like no other in the cruise industry," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line, "and after studies and modifications of the ship’s new test emissions technology, it could dramatically change not only the cruise industry but the entire maritime industry by reducing ship engine emissions." The sea water scrubber system, developed by Krystallon, a subsidiary of BP, uses the natural chemistry of seawater to remove virtually all sulfur oxide (SOx) as well as significantly reduce particulate matter emissions. The sea water is then treated to remove harmful components while the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in seawater renders the sulfur oxides harmless by conversions to sulfates and neutral salts. The price tag tops more than $1.5 million and includes assistance of $300,000 from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/West Coast Collaborative grant and a $100,000 contribution from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Additional support for the project comes from the Port of Seattle, the Port of Vancouver, Environment Canada, British Columbia Ministry of the Environment and the B. C. Clean Air Research Fund, as well as Krystallon. Each government agency has representatives serving on a technical advisory committee that oversees the development of this project. "This project shows how Holland America Line focuses on new technologies and best practices to bolster our existing award-winning environmental programs," said Kruse. "We will continue to go above and beyond international requirements, as we have for many years, now in the operation of our vessels." Protecting the environment through comprehensive programs and innovations In June 2006, Holland America Line’s Environmental Management System received the international ISO 14001 certification, demonstrating that the company conforms to higher standards than what is just required by the letter of the law. Holland America Line’s ships currently meet or exceed all provisions of the international regulations governing the environmental management of marine operations. An environmental officer serves on each ship to oversee shipboard compliance and procedures. Each ship in the Holland America Line fleet undergoes a strict port- and flag-state inspection annually and a mandatory environmental audit conducted both by an outside environmental auditing firm and by internal staff. About Krystallon: About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] |
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